19 Budget Meals That Still Taste Like a Treat

Affordable meals do not have to feel basic. These recipes use simple ingredients in smart ways to create dinners that feel satisfying and complete. They are easy on your budget but still deliver the kind of flavor that makes dinner feel like something special.

Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Ground beef simmered with tomatoes and seasonings creates a rich and comforting homemade spaghetti meat sauce.
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BBQ Chicken and Rice Bowl

BBQ chicken served over rice with fresh toppings and creamy dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying bowl meal.
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Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Seasoned ground beef with pickles, cheese, and special sauce served on buns recreates the flavors of a Big Mac in sloppy joe form.
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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Tender chicken baked with egg noodles in a creamy sauce creates a classic and comforting chicken noodle casserole.
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Vegetarian Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Pinto beans slow-cooked with simple seasonings create tender and flavorful vegetarian crock pot beans perfect as a main dish or side.
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Soy Sauce Braised Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks simmered in a savory soy sauce broth create a tender and flavorful one-pot meal.
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Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Creamy macaroni and cheese made with Velveeta and cream recreates the kid-favorite Outback Steakhouse side dish.
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Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Seasoned ground beef layered with vegetables and gravy then topped with creamy mashed potatoes creates a classic and comforting baked dinner.
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Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Ground beef baked with noodles and vegetables in a savory sauce creates a simple and flavorful chow mein casserole.
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Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground beef cooked with taco seasoning and simple ingredients creates a quick and flavorful one-pan Mexican-inspired meal.
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Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken slow-cooked with pasta, cheese, and tomatoes creates a creamy and comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti.
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Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken simmered in a rich enchilada-style broth with cheese and spices recreates the popular Chili’s soup.
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Wendy’s Chili

Ground beef simmered with beans, tomatoes, and spices recreates the thick and hearty Wendy’s chili.
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Velveeta Potato Soup

Potatoes simmered in a creamy Velveeta cheese broth with bacon create a rich and comforting soup.
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Chicken and Biscuit Casserole

Chicken baked with vegetables in a creamy sauce and topped with golden biscuits creates a hearty and comforting casserole.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

Ground beef and pasta cooked in a creamy sauce create a homemade version of Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff.
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Betty Crocker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground beef and baked in tomato sauce recreate the classic Betty Crocker dinner.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils, Turnips and Carrots

Beef slow-cooked with lentils, turnips, and carrots creates a hearty and comforting stew packed with rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Lentils, Turnips and Carrots